Quick Takeaways
- Malaysia’s Melaka plant expansion positions EPMB as a major CKD hub for hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles in Southeast Asia.
- The Phase 2 ramp-up accelerates multi-OEM localized production while deepening vertical integration and future-ready capabilities.
On October 30, EPMB Malaysia CKD assembly expansion entered a decisive new phase as EP Manufacturing Berhad (EPMB) officially commissioned Phase 2 of its Melaka vehicle assembly facility, marking a major step in scaling localized electrified vehicle production in Southeast Asia. The expansion significantly strengthens Malaysia’s role in regional CKD manufacturing for global automakers.
EPMB Malaysia CKD Assembly Expansion Scales Production Capacity
With Phase 2 now operational, the EPMB Malaysia CKD assembly expansion increases the plant’s annual output capacity from 6,000 units to 30,000 units.
Transition from Tier-1 Supplier to Contract Vehicle Assembler
EPMB has steadily transformed from a Tier-1 automotive components supplier into a vertically integrated contract assembler serving multiple international OEMs. Since the launch of Phase 1 in the fourth quarter of 2023, the Melaka facility has produced more than 6,000 units of the GWM H6 hybrid electric vehicle for the Malaysian market.
Multi-OEM Programs Strengthen Production Pipeline
Beyond current hybrid output, the EPMB Malaysia CKD assembly expansion supports an expanding OEM portfolio. Pilot builds for the BAIC X55 and BAIC BJ40 have already been completed, with series production scheduled to begin in January 2026. Pilot assembly for MG-branded models is planned to commence in February 2026.
Integrated Component Network Enhances Localization
EPMB’s vehicle assembly operations are reinforced by its network of component manufacturing plants located across Kedah, Perak, Selangor, and Melaka. This vertically integrated structure enables tighter quality control, improved supply chain resilience, and higher localization levels across multiple vehicle platforms.
Phase 3 Expansion Targets In-House Body Painting
Looking ahead, EPMB plans a Phase 3 expansion targeted for completion by the third quarter of 2026. The next phase will introduce in-house body painting capabilities, further enhancing localization depth and manufacturing efficiency. The new facility will be developed adjacent to the Phase 2 assembly plant to optimize operational flow.
Melaka Emerges as a Strategic CKD Hub
According to EPMB, the expansion reflects sustained demand from OEM partners including GWM, BAIC, and SAIC. As Chinese automakers accelerate overseas localization strategies, Melaka is increasingly positioned as a strategic CKD hub supporting hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicle programs for the regional market.
EPMB Malaysia CKD Assembly Expansion Scales Production Capacity
With Phase 2 now operational, the EPMB Malaysia CKD assembly expansion increases the plant’s annual output capacity from 6,000 units to 30,000 units.
- The milestone was marked by the rollout of the first locally assembled GWM WEY G9 plug-in hybrid MPV, reinforcing EPMB’s growing footprint in electrified vehicle manufacturing.
Transition from Tier-1 Supplier to Contract Vehicle Assembler
EPMB has steadily transformed from a Tier-1 automotive components supplier into a vertically integrated contract assembler serving multiple international OEMs. Since the launch of Phase 1 in the fourth quarter of 2023, the Melaka facility has produced more than 6,000 units of the GWM H6 hybrid electric vehicle for the Malaysian market.
Multi-OEM Programs Strengthen Production Pipeline
Beyond current hybrid output, the EPMB Malaysia CKD assembly expansion supports an expanding OEM portfolio. Pilot builds for the BAIC X55 and BAIC BJ40 have already been completed, with series production scheduled to begin in January 2026. Pilot assembly for MG-branded models is planned to commence in February 2026.
Integrated Component Network Enhances Localization
EPMB’s vehicle assembly operations are reinforced by its network of component manufacturing plants located across Kedah, Perak, Selangor, and Melaka. This vertically integrated structure enables tighter quality control, improved supply chain resilience, and higher localization levels across multiple vehicle platforms.
Phase 3 Expansion Targets In-House Body Painting
Looking ahead, EPMB plans a Phase 3 expansion targeted for completion by the third quarter of 2026. The next phase will introduce in-house body painting capabilities, further enhancing localization depth and manufacturing efficiency. The new facility will be developed adjacent to the Phase 2 assembly plant to optimize operational flow.
Melaka Emerges as a Strategic CKD Hub
According to EPMB, the expansion reflects sustained demand from OEM partners including GWM, BAIC, and SAIC. As Chinese automakers accelerate overseas localization strategies, Melaka is increasingly positioned as a strategic CKD hub supporting hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicle programs for the regional market.
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